Technical Note

Sunday, July 23, 2006

The long string of supportive, protective, consciousness raising aspects that we have been experiencing will be interrupted in August.

T-squares dominate both New and Full Moon charts. T-squares always bring unavoidable decisions and force people to consider different and more realistic options than those they may have been considering previously. Expectations and plans will have to be adjusted.

The tone of political debate will take a constructive turn. Political debate on many issues has been going in circles for some time. Observation and experience or scientific data prompt a call for change or reform. These calls are quieted with factually empty but emotionally loaded slogans or Republican dogma.

For example, in recent years increasingly brutal facts on the ground in Iraq have repeatedly spurred calls for a change of direction. Each time, the call for a change was silenced with hackneyed slogans like “Stay the course,” and “We’re turning a corner.”

In the case of other issues, like Congressional ethics, government spying, the minimum wage and global warming, the Republican majority in Congress easily quashed debate by invoking stale Republican dogma. And the public scarcely seemed to mind. That is about to end.

In late August, as Saturn conjoins Neptune, the public ear will become more responsive to arguments based on facts and reasoned analysis. They will no longer find empty slogans very satisfying. And partisan Republicans will no longer be able to block progress by invoking stale slogans.

August could also be a rather nervous month. Difficult aspects between Saturn and Neptune also cause psychological insecurity. Anxieties could rise sharply as old, once solid foundations threaten to dissolve or wash away.

On the upside, confident and optimistic Jupiter will trine innovative, changeful Uranus. This will strongly encourage and reward those who opt for innovative reforms.

Also, as I have noted before, two of the aspects most responsible for tensions in the world will be easing soon. Jupiter will move out of difficult relation with Saturn bringing significant economic relief.

Pluto will move into Capricorn, the sign of government. In Capricorn, Pluto will be in greater harmony with the Uranian forces of change and it will empower governments to deal more effectively with the vast array of issues facing them.

Also, the troublesome Uranus/Pluto square will be interrupted until about 2010, when Uranus enters Aries. Until the square becomes active again, the need for civil order will work in greater harmony with the desire for freedom and independence.

This will reduce world tensions by further empowering national leaders to deal effectively with difficult and dangerous domestic situations while not applying oppressive tactics.The Middle East Generally ~Planetary alignments offer hope, over time, for a non-catastrophic outcome in the Middle East.

The T-squares in August indicate confrontation and tough decisions. A Mars/Uranus opposition indicates the surprise outbreak of hostility and unhelpful assertions of power, military and otherwise. Incendiary Mars is also in broad square to explosive Pluto. And these dangerous planets are well represented in the skies over the Middle East.

However, the outer planets, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, are retrograde, suggesting a certain slackening of tension, a slow motion quality to events and a tendency to avoid head on confrontations, at least in the realm of diplomacy.

These same potent outer planets also enjoy the odd positive aspect. This suggests that solutions will be found and that, behind the scenes, effective solutions are already taking shape.

Interestingly, there seems to me to be no single, planetary indicator to which the present difficulties can be attributed. This suggests to me that the present “unrest,” has its roots in problematic natal charts and in the cumulative, long-term effects of more general influences, like the Uranus/Pluto square and Pluto’s high-energy conjunction with the Galactic Center.

Unhealthy political structures like those in the Middle East tend to be brittle. They do not respond well to high-energy astrological events like those presently in effect.

It is worth noting that Pluto’s conjunction with the Galactic Center and the disruptive Uranus/Pluto square will be in abeyance from early in 2007. So the pressure on the Middle East should let up in the foreseeable future. The Middle East should also benefit from the new, more supportive energies coming into play early next year. Israel and Lebanon ~Since Pluto’s exact conjunction with the G.C. seems to be the real source of present world turbulence, I have used December 29 as the reference time for the charts used in the following analysis.

The December Pluto/Galactic Center charts for Israel look kind of “business as usual.” The charts for Lebanon look like “chaos as usual,” chaos caused by a potentially violent power struggle within Lebanon itself.

This supports the idea introduced above that the present unrest is rooted in difficulties caused by major, long-term astrological events on the natal charts involved.

The progressed composite chart for Israel and Lebanon on the date of the Pluto/Galactic Center conjunction contains a grand trine overlaid by numerous other powerful trines. This suggests that relations between Israel and Lebanon could take some surprising turns for the better in the months ahead. Unlikely as that might seem at the moment.

However, a strong progressed composite chart, while encouraging, is no guarantee at all that old problems will be fully resolved.

Based on the charts, I am strongly tempted to side with those who think that the Israel’s present military activity in Lebanon will be limited in scope. Though I doubt that it will be without lasting consequences. It does appear to be a strike with narrowly defined territorial and security objectives, as the Israeli’s claim.

However, set aside the larger question of whether Israel was write or wrong to enter Lebanon at this time.

I examined the charts for Iraq but chose not to include the full analysis for reasons of length. Suffice it to say that, according to the charts, Iran seems subject to powerful disruptive forces. However, the charts do not seem to me to threaten immediate catastrophe.

The United States ~I think US attention will soon be drawn into its own many domestic problems.

As Pluto slowly slips into Capricorn over the course of 2007, it will return to the sign it was in at the birth of the US. This will activate the strong second house/eighth house oppositions that are so prominent in the US chart.

It will also reopen economic issues and issues of social justice that have long been considered settled. It will also bring attention to continuing social injustices and economic imbalances that, though onerous and recognized as needing change, have long seemed impossible to do anything about. Pluto will actually enter Capricorn in late January of 2008.

So I would say that the US is about to enter into a great, potentially revolutionary national debate over the distribution of money and power within the US. If not class warfare, then class-conscious political debate is coming to the US.

Given this gradual but ponderous shift of US attention to domestic economic affairs, it seems unlikely to me that the US can sustain its present aggressive stance in world affairs. As Pluto slowly edges out of the US first house over the next couple of years, the planetary basis for the fierce, demanding persona that the US has recently presented to the world will be removed.

The Economy ~I stand by my more or less rosy economic predictions. The economic boat will surely continue to rock, given the complex and difficult world situation.

But I believe the economic fundamentals will remain more or less solid. You will notice, for example, that the world’s stock exchanges have taken some serious hits lately, but they have always bounced back--all the way back.

General Comments ~ The easy sledding of recent months is over. In August, people are going to have to face a difficult reality in some area of their lives and make significant adjustments in order to cope. Considerable effort will be required over a long period of time to get past this obstacle. In some cases, it probably can’t be gotten around. You might just have to accept certain limitations and get on with life. However, the planets will provide plenty of help in your efforts to adjust and find a new way forward.

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Sign by Sign Astrology Forecast For August 2006

ARIES ~ It’s not an absolute stonewall, but it is a reasonable facsimile. Efforts to bring your hopes to reality are pretty well stymied by finances and by the need for a lot of information, or knowledge, that just isn’t available to you at this time. You will have to work around this obstacle. Fortunately, you do have plentiful reserves of self-confidence and optimism. And you know that your personal wealth will keep growing. There are many consolations. Don’t let impatience or rebelliousness push you into ill-timed or unwise action.

TAURUS~ A moment of truth has arrived for Taurus. You will see and accept certain fairly firm limitations in key areas of your life. Your hand will be forced. It seems like your power will be trumped by authority figures on just about all fronts. You’ll just have to work within certain bounds. However, it will be possible to not only safeguard, but also enhance long-term financial holdings. Depend on the support of friends and partners to shape the future and lay the groundwork for a more fulfilling, idealistic lifestyle.

GEMINI~ It is time for Geminis to take a look at their career plans. Long-term financial needs, things like pension, health insurance and mortgages, are making decisions necessary. You can’t really dodge these issues. The planets are offering plenty of room to maneuver. Be realistic. Consider the advice of superiors, even if you don’t like it at first. Starting a little lower on the ladder at a new, more promising job might be just what you need. The right combination of moves will put you in line for significant life-advancement.

CANCER~ Cancerians might suddenly find themselves beset by an avalanche of expenses. And/or they might reach an important crossroad in their drive to achieve important financial goals. However it works out, you need to make certain adjustments to stay on course economically. Someone in banking or investment work will be ready-to-hand to help you make the proper decisions. Simple is best. Don’t allow your financial affairs to get so complicated you can’t keep track of them. You might also find yourself responsible for guiding rambunctious youngsters in your neighborhood.

LEO~ You will have to find a way forward working within some new restrictions. You can’t expect any major concessions from family and key associates. They are up against pretty firm limits of their own. And you are feeling the strain from the demands of recent years. Adjustments to existing economic arrangements could provide needed flexibility. However, any changes made now will have consequences down the road. Don’t increase spending at the expense of long-term financial plans. Maintaining pension, mortgage and insurance payments, etc., is key to your success right now.

VIRGO~ A lot of what is most important in your life right now is taking place where no one else can see it. You are making important changes in your most basic and deeply rooted beliefs. This will slowly but surely transform your relations to the community in which you live and the manner in which you earn your living. You are approaching a “tipping point” and many of your efforts will soon gain traction. Be prepared to learn new things about how to relate to your most important associates.

LIBRA~ You dearly want to achieve your ideal lifestyle--the perfect balance between work and play, personal profit and public good. But August threatens to bring all progress toward that goal to an abrupt halt. Some of the reasons are financial. But, more to the point, you just need to dig more deeply into all the issues involved. Relationships at home, at work and in the community will afford the flexibility you need while you figure stuff out. Be ready to adopt new, more productive attitudes at work. Clear out mental cobwebs.

SCORPIO~ A lot of responsibility rests squarely on your shoulders and you don’t seem to have much room to maneuver. Professional and family responsibilities have pretty much pinned you down. The planetary influences that created this bind are peaking this month … finally. Events should soon bring some level of relief. Financial pressures will ease and you will gain helpful insight into your situation. Efforts to achieve a new, less burdensome and more rewarding lifestyle will begin to bear fruit. Friendship, recreation and connections with the young will bring renewal.

SAGITTARIUS~ Sagittarius will be in demand. You can help explain the hassles everyone else is having. You can also point the way out of their difficulties. Make sure, however, that you just point the way. Don’t take on other people’s struggles. In your own life, you could find yourself particularly well positioned to overcome whatever challenges may arise. It’s time to seriously reassess the balance between work and home responsibilities. This combination of insight and personal empowerment will help you advance socially and professionally. New ideas make home life better.

CAPRICORN~ The time has come. You’ve known for a long time that you would have to deal with big financial questions sooner or later. It’s time to begin what is likely to be a long, detailed look at your economic situation. You must accurately and truthfully assess the progress you are making toward your financial goals. Answers must be found and adjustments made. The key is to introduce new and deeply personal realizations into your decision-making process. I think you will be surprised at how much help this will be.

AQUARIUS ~ The planets are bringing issues between you and your most important partners, including key financial and professional associates, to a head. Fortunately, the deep understanding that exists between you and these important people will allow helpful discussions and prevent a sharp break. Also, the economic situation allows considerable flexibility. Maintain confidence. Avoid hasty moves. A comfortable, temporary resolution is very likely. However, all concerned must devote themselves to developing an acceptable long-term solution. Despite the complexities of the present situation, the planets clearly suggest a positive long-term outcome.

PISCES~ You are changing. So far it has been gradual and the options have seemed wide open. Now, however, certain options are being taken off the table. The planets are supporting a prolonged period of exploration, study and experimentation. And it could take awhile to understand the challenge and develop a proper solution. But the forces of long- and short-term change are working in your favor. You might be surprised at how quickly things can change for the better. Partners you depend on are getting restless, not to mention testy.

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